Introduction: Falls are common post-stroke adverse events. This study aimed to describe the first-year
falls incidence, circumstances and consequences among persons discharged home after stroke in Ireland,
and to examine the association between potential risk factors and recurrent falls.
Patients and Methods: Patients with acute stroke and planned home-discharge were recruited
consecutively from five hospitals. Variables recorded pre-discharge included: age, stroke severity, comorbidities,
fall history, prescribed medications, hemi-neglect, cognition, and functional independence
(Barthel Index). Falls were recorded with monthly diaries, and six and 12-month interviews. The association
of pre-discharge factors with recurrent falls (>1 fall) was examined using univariable logistic regression.
Results: 128 participants (mean age=68.6, SD=13.3) were recruited. 110 completed 12-month follow-up.
The first-year falls-incidence was 44.5% (95%CI=35.1-53.6) with 25.6% falling repeatedly (95%CI=18.5-
34.4). Fallers experienced 1-18 falls (median=2) and five reported fractures. 47% of fallers experienced at
least one fall outdoors. Only 10% of recurrent fallers had bone health medication prescribed at discharge.
Lower Barthel Index scores (<75/100, RR=4.38, 1.64-11.72) and psychotropic medication prescription
(RR=2.10, 1.13-3.91) were associated with recurrent falls.
Discussion: This study presents prospectively collected information about falls circumstances. It was not
powered for multivariable analysis of risk factors.
Conclusion: One quarter of stroke survivors discharged to the community fall repeatedly and mostly
indoors in the first year. Specific attention may be required for individuals with poor functional independence
or those on psychotropic medication. Future falls-management research in this population should explore
falls in younger individuals, outdoor as well as indoor falls and post-stroke bone health status.

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eng

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SAGE Publications

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European Stroke Journal;3 (3)

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2396987318764961

dc.subject

sccidental falls

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dc.subject

fractures

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dc.subject

stroke

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dc.subject

rehabilitation

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dc.title

Falls related EvEnts in the first year after StrokE in Ireland: results of the multi-centre prospective FREESE cohort study

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